Geneva motor show 2011 - Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes unveiled the much-changed C-Class in private at Detroit earlier this year, but has waited until here at Geneva to give the public its first look at the car.

That’s allowed the first C-Class coupe (see separate story) to be completed in time to appear alongside the revised saloon and estate.

All engines are more fuel-efficient and better for CO2 emissions, led by the C220 CDI, which now emits just 117g/km.

There’s much more to the revised C-Class than lower tax ratings, emphasised by there being 2000 new components scattered around the range. Ten new driver assistance systems become available, the interior has had a significant quality upgrade and the exterior has been refreshed in a subtle-enough way to avoid damaging the secondhand values of existing cars. There’s also a new telematics system that’s easier to use.

The revised C-Class goes on sale with five four-cylinder engines. There are three cars powered by Merc’s 2.1-litre CDI tubodiesel. These are:
• C200 (134bhp/266lb ft)
• C220 (168bhp/296lb ft)
• C250 (201bhp/370lb ft)
There are also two with a 1.8-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol unit:
• C180 (154bhp/185lb ft)
• C250 (201bhp/229lb ft).
All have engine stop-start.

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A V6 diesel will join the range in summer and a revised AMG model – still with the old 6.3-litre V8 engine, but with 10% better fuel economy – will follow soon afterwards.

Mercedes has put prices are up by an average 1.5% to reflect the latest changes, but despite that the C-Class is now a better overall ownership proposition.